Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
2020 has been a year of change for Dodge, as it has for everyone. Our team has worked to find new ways to fulfill our mission of providing exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education during a time of social distancing, increased safety measures and reduced income.
Spring programs, June camps, Dodge Nature Preschool, and community events were all cancelled in the second quarter of the year. In accordance with state guidelines for safety, Dodge offered outdoor summer camps in July and August with reduced enrollment (eight students per camp as opposed to the normal 20-30). And we restricted our space/event rentals, resulting in a loss of 70% of rental revenues.
Dodge Preschool was able to reopen as well with reduced enrollment (Down to eight per class with two teachers). The Preschool changed its model to an entirely outdoor format with extra safety and cleaning measures for indoor spaces such as restrooms. Additionally, new outdoor classrooms were created to keep students in discreet sections and have separate parent drop-off/pick-up areas, minimizing overlap or contact crossover.
In the fall of 2020, our education team changed the way we deliver nature education programs to our school partners. With diverse students learning from home or in hybrid situations, the team turned to delivering programs in school parking lots or virtually.
Dodge has seen an increased number of visitors to all four of our sites as more people are looking for safe places in nature to walk, rest, and spend time outdoors.
Current Goals
Provide more resources to support the community during COVID-19. Grow Dodge Nature Center's financial and fundraising strength. Increase Dodge Nature Center's organizational capacity. Address Dodge Nature Center's commitment to restoration.
Community or Constituency Served
Dodge Nature Center and Preschool serve children and adults of all ages, which include preschoolers, school-aged children 6-12, teens, college students, parents, non-parents, and seniors.
Geographic Area Served
Dodge Nature Center and Preschool draw participants from all over the Twin Cities metro area, however about 70% of the students are from Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties in Minnesota.
